10 Best Facial Cleansers for Mature Skin, According to the Pros

As the name suggests, detergent comes in during the washing process. Still, basic skin care products shouldn’t be an afterthought—especially if your skin is aging. “As skin matures and produces less natural oils, the barrier becomes more fragile and cell turnover slows,” says Aderonke Obayomi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. “Choosing the right cleanser becomes even more important because it’s the first step in laying the foundation for healthy skin.”

But don’t confuse criticality with complexity. When it comes to finding the best facial cleanser for mature skin, dermatologists agree that simpler, gentler products are usually better. Dr. Obayomi warns that fancy formulas like foams and synthetic fragrances can cause dryness, irritation and dehydration, while powerful exfoliating cleansers can damage your already fragile skin barrier.

Vogue’s Favorite Cleanser for Mature Skin

Best for dry skin

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Moisturizing Gentle Cleanser

Jump to comments

best makeup remover

Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover

Jump to comments

Your best option? Look for cleansers with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane. It would be better if the formula contains ceramides. “As we age, our natural production of ceramides decreases,” says Dr. Obaymoi. “Replenishing them even during the cleansing step can help prevent transepidermal moisture loss.”

In terms of texture, Dr. Obayomi says cream, milk and oil-based formulas tend to be gentle, nourishing and don’t disrupt the lipid barrier. Looking for a product that ticks all the boxes? Next, shop for cleansers that dermatologists give the green light to patients with aging skin. Happy wash day!

Best paired with ceramides: CeraVe Moisturizing Cleanser

• Why we love it: “Mature skin tends to be more sensitive, so it’s best to keep things simple,” says Peterson Pierre, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in California. “I do recommend looking for a cleanser that contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides to calm, soothe, and hydrate the skin, and this one can’t be beat.” He notes that this drugstore staple is great for cleansing mature skin and preparing it for incoming activity, and Dr. Obayomi says it goes one step further. “CeraVe’s claim to fame is three essential ceramides and MVE delivery technology that releases hydrating ingredients over time,” she explains. “For mature skin with a compromised barrier, this can provide real repair during the cleansing step, not just cleansing.”
• Main ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramide
• Cleanser type: emulsion cream
• Best for: Cleansing for normal to dry skin types
• size: 12 ounces

Best for double cleansing: Le Prunier Plum Cleanse Biome Balancing Oil Cleanser

• Why we love it: Infused with Le Prunier’s signature Plum Beauty Oil, this new-for-2026 cleansing oil offers a one-step alternative to double cleansing. “For mature skin, oil cleansers like these can gently remove impurities while replenishing moisture and keeping the microbiome balanced,” explains Gretchen W. Frieling, MD, triple board-certified dermatopathologist and founder and CEO of GFaceMD. “Plum oil is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, which support the lipid barrier and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.” Dr. Frieling notes that this cleanser also addresses dehydration, dullness, and barrier imbalance, so it’s recommended for mature skin that is dry, sensitive, or damaged.
• Editor experience: “I’ve been looking for a cleanser that gets the job done, and I mean removes stubborn mascara completely. Le Prunier’s newest product is up to the task and then some: It has a luxurious texture and plum scent that leaves my skin feeling pampered and moisturized, while looking more radiant.” —Jenny Berg, Writer
• Main ingredients: Plum Beauty Oil, Midnight Muir Extract, Bacillus Ferment, Betaine Salicylate, Jojoba Seed Oil, Squalene
• Cleanser type: Oil
• Best for: Removes makeup, dirt and SPF from all skin types including sensitive and acne-prone skin
• size: 3.38 ounces

Best for dry skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Moisturizing Gentle Cleanser

• Why we love it: “This product is formulated with prebiotic thermal water, niacinamide, and ceramide-3 to gently cleanse skin of dirt, makeup, and impurities while maintaining the skin’s natural moisture barrier and pH,” says Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York and Long Island. A French pharmacy classic, “This is one of my top recommendations because it addresses all the needs of mature skin at an affordable price,” says Dr. Obayomi. “It has a creamy texture that doesn’t flake as it cleanses, and it’s fragrance-free. It’s perfect for patients who want a reliable product that won’t damage their skin when applying actives.”
• Editing experience: “I’ve been using this cleanser for years; it’s one of those rare formulas that I recommend to everyone. The creamy texture is its main selling point, giving it gentle, nourishing properties. The signature thermal water and ceramides ensure skin doesn’t feel tight or flaky after washing off.” —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping editor
• Main ingredients: La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water, Ceramide-3, Niacinamide
• Cleanser type: Milky white, no foaming
• Best for: Suitable for daily cleansing of normal to dry and sensitive skin
• size: 13.52 ounces

The best exfoliating cleanser: Dr. Julius Few Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser

• Why we love it: Gwyneth Paltrow turned to board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Julius Few for skin-care advice, and he created this creamy ethanol wash that acts as an all-in-one cleanser and toner. By pairing AHAs with chamomile, shea butter, and aloe vera, “the formula promotes cell turnover while still respecting the integrity of the skin barrier,” says Dr. Frieling. “This is ideal for mature skin that needs a gentle peel without irritation.” She adds that the formula also helps address uneven texture, dullness and early signs of photoaging.
• Main ingredients: Glycolic acid, chamomile, shea butter, aloe vera
• Cleanser type: Cream, lotion
• Best for: Delicate texture, even skin tone, gentle exfoliation, suitable for all skin types
• size: 6.76 ounces

best cleansing oil: Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser

• Why we love it: a long time Fashion– Editor-favorite Tata Harper This cleansing oil uses farm-fresh methods to cleanse and nourish skin. It uses sunflower esters to address cosmetic and sun protection concerns, camellia oil to strengthen the skin barrier, and plant-based squalane to promote hydration. The formula has also won praise from professionals. “This cleanser is great for mature, dry, or environmentally stressed skin,” says Dr. Freeling. “It targets dehydration and makeup while delivering botanical nutrients.” She adds that the oil-based formula dissolves dirt without damaging the skin’s natural lipids, which is a boon for skin over 40. “Mature skin benefits from this type of formula because it cleanses while enhancing softness and radiance,” she explains.
• Editor experience: “While Le Prunier’s essential oil formulas are my new favorite, this honey-toned elixir is one I’ve been relying on for years. Not only does it remove makeup in one go (a rarity in the world of cleansers, regardless of their promises), but it also leaves my skin glowing post-spa. That’s obvious given its famous spa-like scent.” —Jenny Berg, Writer
• Main ingredients: Sunflower esters, camellia oil, vegetable squalane.
• Cleanser type: Oil
• Best for: Removes makeup and balances dry or uneven skin
• size: 4.1 oz

best cleansing balm: Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover Balm

• Why we love it: According to board-certified dermatologist Shamsa Kanwal, MD, Clinique’s formula is “perfect for dissolving sunscreen and makeup without the friction, which is crucial for thin, delicate skin.” This silky-smooth balm uses safflower seed oil to dissolve makeup and unclog pores. It’s also made from linoleic acid, a natural emollient that nourishes eyelashes and brows. Dr. Frieling is also a fan. “The balm’s texture blends into the skin and removes impurities without the need for harsh surfactants,” she explains. “For mature skin, this formula prevents a tight, flaky feeling that can accelerate the appearance of fine lines.”
• Main ingredients: Safflower seed oil, linoleic acid
• Cleanser type: From balm to oil
• Best for: Suitable for cleansing and removing makeup for all skin types
• size: 3.8 ounces

Best for damaged skin: SkinCeuticals gentle cleanser

• Why we love it: “This is specially formulated for damaged skin and is ideal for mature skin undergoing treatments such as retinoids, peels, or laser surgery,” says Dr. Obayomi. She notes that the allantoin in the formula soothes and protects the barrier, while glycerin provides moisture. Plus, the formula’s creamy, non-foaming texture removes impurities without any stripping feeling. “For patients who use powerful actives in their daily lives, this provides the gentle foundation they need,” she says.
• Main ingredients: Allantoin, glycerin, orange oil
• Cleanser type: gel cream
• Best for: Gently cleanse dry, sensitive or post-surgery skin
• size: 6.42 ounces

Best for pharmacies: Cetaphil gentle cleanser

• Why we love it: This drugstore gem is dermatologist-approved for mature skin. Dr. Freeling recommends the product specifically to patients with dry skin, saying, “This addresses sensitivities and retains moisture without over-cleansing.” She notes that the foam-free formula respects the skin barrier and can be used every day without stripping natural oils. “For mature patients, sticking with a gentle formula like this will often produce better long-term results than a harsh cleanse,” she says.
• Main ingredients: Niacinamide, glycerin, panthenol
• Cleanser type: emulsion, cream
• Best for: Moisturizes, softens and cleanses normal to dry skin types
• size: 20 ounces

Best for sensitive skin: Vanicream gentle cleanser

• Why we love it: “This soap-free formula is formulated for sensitive skin and is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores,” says Dr. Kemp. “It contains no harsh cleansers and is pH-balanced to remove makeup and excess skin oil without drying out the skin.” Dr. Obayami attests to its gentleness. “For adult patients with rosacea, eczema, or a history of contact dermatitis, this is often the only cleanser that won’t trigger a reaction,” she notes.
• Main ingredients: Glycerin, Cocoyl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Caprylyl Glycol, Water, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
• Cleanser type: Soap-free, oil-free, pH-balanced gel
• Best for: Cleanses dry, sensitive, reactive or delicate skin
• size: 8 ounces

best facial cleanser: Irene Forte Almond Cleanser

• Why we love it: This Italian-made formula is a soothing balm specially designed for mature skin. Made with oils rich in omega-3, -6, and -9, this formula supports the skin barrier while brightening your complexion. It also contains vitamin E, provitamin B5 and aloe vera leaf juice, which are hydrating and soothing. “This cleanser is ideal for mature, dry, or delicate skin types,” says Dr. Freeling. “It addresses dehydration and surface roughness while providing gentle nourishment, with a milky texture that provides comfort and supports barrier elasticity. Mature skin responds well to this gentle cleansing method that prioritizes softness and calming.”
• Main ingredients: Glycerin, aloe vera leaf juice, sweet almond oil
• Cleanser type: milk
• Best for: Clean dry, mature or delicate skin
• size: 6.8 ounces